“Although USDA implements a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for fecal contamination, this policy applies to visible fecal contamination only,” the lawsuit claims, Fox News reports. “The result is that fecally contaminated meat and chicken products pass inspection as long as the feces on them are not visible to the naked eye.”

The lawsuit said the USDA violated the Freedom of Information Act by not responding to requests about fecal contamination rates. It also calls on USDA to respond to a petition submitted on March 14, 2013, MassLive.com reported.